Born Jan. 9, 2016, this baby gerenuk name Januarey was the Houston Zoo's first new animal baby of 2016.

Born Jan. 9, 2016, this baby gerenuk name Januarey was the Houston Zoo's first new animal baby of 2016.

Photo: Stephanie Adams, Houston Zoo

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A new baby nyala feeds at the Houston Zoo in September 2015.

A new baby nyala feeds at the Houston Zoo in September 2015.

Photo: Stephanie Adams, Houston Zoo/Stephanie Adams

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This week the Houston Zoo released footage of a handful (literally) of newborn turtles. The video of the eight Madagascar big-headed turtle babies is something to see, as the turtles all fit in the palm of one man’s hand. These small turtles, found in their habitat at the zoo in late August, weigh just a fraction of a pound each and measure about an inch in width and length. They feast aquatic turtle pellets and romaine lettuce. less

This week the Houston Zoo released footage of a handful (literally) of newborn turtles. The video of the eight Madagascar big-headed turtle babies is something to see, as the turtles all fit in the palm of one ... more

Photo: Stephanie Adams, Houston Zoo/Stephanie Adams

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This week the Houston Zoo released footage of a handful (literally) of newborn turtles. The video of the eight Madagascar big-headed turtle babies is something to see, as the turtles all fit in the palm of one man’s hand. These small turtles, found in their habitat at the zoo in late August, weigh just a fraction of a pound each and measure about an inch in width and length. They feast aquatic turtle pellets and romaine lettuce. less

This week the Houston Zoo released footage of a handful (literally) of newborn turtles. The video of the eight Madagascar big-headed turtle babies is something to see, as the turtles all fit in the palm of one ... more

Photo: Stephanie Adams, Houston Zoo/Stephanie Adams

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At one month old as of December 2014, baby okapi Miraq is already a hit with onlookers at the Houston Zoo.

At one month old as of December 2014, baby okapi Miraq is already a hit with onlookers at the Houston Zoo.

Photo: Stephanie Adams, Houston Zoo/Stephanie Adams

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The giraffe calf weighs some 160 pounds and is 6 feet 3 inches tall, not the typical pint-size newborn. She appears to already be getting used to the McGovern Giraffe Habitat at the African Forest at the zoo as well, as can be seen in a video the zoo provided. less

The giraffe calf weighs some 160 pounds and is 6 feet 3 inches tall, not the typical pint-size newborn. She appears to already be getting used to the McGovern Giraffe Habitat at the African Forest at the zoo as ... more

Nutmeg, 2 weeks old, and her mother Ginger, both Nyala antelope, stand in their pen at the Houston Zoo, on Friday, Jan. 3.

Nutmeg, 2 weeks old, and her mother Ginger, both Nyala antelope, stand in their pen at the Houston Zoo, on Friday, Jan. 3.

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Staff

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Nutmeg, 2 weeks old, and her mother Ginger, both Nyala antelope, stand in their pen at the Houston Zoo, on Friday, Jan. 3.

Nutmeg, 2 weeks old, and her mother Ginger, both Nyala antelope, stand in their pen at the Houston Zoo, on Friday, Jan. 3.

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Staff

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Nutmeg, 2 weeks old, and her mother Ginger, both Nyala antelope, stand in their pen at the Houston Zoo, on Friday, Jan. 3.

Nutmeg, 2 weeks old, and her mother Ginger, both Nyala antelope, stand in their pen at the Houston Zoo, on Friday, Jan. 3.

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Staff

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These two cuties were born June 6, the clouded leopard cubs are the result of the first pregnancy for two year old Suksn who gave birth in a private den off exhibit with a labor of just one hour. Lucky Mom.

These two cuties were born June 6, the clouded leopard cubs are the result of the first pregnancy for two year old Suksn who gave birth in a private den off exhibit with a labor of just one hour. Lucky Mom.

Photo: Houston Zoo

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The two fabulously adorable clouded leopard cubs were born at the zoo on June 6. They are not on public show yet but the two boys have been named Kashi and Senja.

The two fabulously adorable clouded leopard cubs were born at the zoo on June 6. They are not on public show yet but the two boys have been named Kashi and Senja.

Photo: Stephanie Adams, Houston Zoo/Stephanie Adams

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The two fabulously adorable clouded leopard cubs were born at the zoo on June 6. They are not on public show yet but the two boys have been named Kashi and Senja.

The two fabulously adorable clouded leopard cubs were born at the zoo on June 6. They are not on public show yet but the two boys have been named Kashi and Senja.

Photo: Stephanie Adams, Houston Zoo/Stephanie Adams

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Twelve-week-old clouded leopard cubs Koshi and Senja took their first romp in the grass Friday during their final days behind-the-scenes at the Houston Zoo. As they grow, their mischievous personalities are coming out. Koshi thinks it’s fun to practice his aerial skills by leaping onto the caregivers while Senja prefers climbing and has perfected the art of escaping over the baby gate barrier. The pair, born June 6, will make their public debut in mid-September. less

Twelve-week-old clouded leopard cubs Koshi and Senja took their first romp in the grass Friday during their final days behind-the-scenes at the Houston Zoo. As they grow, their mischievous personalities are ... more

Photo: Stephanie Adams, Houston Zoo/Stephanie Adams

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Twelve-week-old clouded leopard cubs Koshi and Senja took their first romp in the grass Friday during their final days behind-the-scenes at the Houston Zoo. As they grow, their mischievous personalities are coming out. Koshi thinks it’s fun to practice his aerial skills by leaping onto the caregivers while Senja prefers climbing and has perfected the art of escaping over the baby gate barrier. The pair, born June 6, will make their public debut in mid-September. less

Twelve-week-old clouded leopard cubs Koshi and Senja took their first romp in the grass Friday during their final days behind-the-scenes at the Houston Zoo. As they grow, their mischievous personalities are ... more

Photo: Stephanie Adams, Houston Zoo/Stephanie Adams

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There are just 91 De Brazza's monkeys at 31 zoos in North America according to Houston zoo, and they added this one on the last day of 2013. This little monkey currently has two names - Ruby or Rupert. Officials currently cant get close enough to determine if s/he is a male or female and so will wait until the first physical exam at one year old.

There are just 91 De Brazza's monkeys at 31 zoos in North America according to Houston zoo, and they added this one on the last day of 2013. This little monkey currently has two names - Ruby or Rupert.

This baby Fantastic Leaf Tailed Gecko (yes fantastic is in the name) was born on February 17. The Madagascan natives are known to be masters of camouflage and mimic dead leaves and twigs. Need more practice with pens though it seems. less

This baby Fantastic Leaf Tailed Gecko (yes fantastic is in the name) was born on February 17. The Madagascan natives are known to be masters of camouflage and mimic dead leaves and twigs. Need more practice ... more

Photo: Houston Zoo

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This male giraffe was born February 4 weighing in at 165 pounds and six and a half feet tall. Zoo visitors named him Baridi after an online vote.

This male giraffe was born February 4 weighing in at 165 pounds and six and a half feet tall. Zoo visitors named him Baridi after an online vote.

Photo: Houston Zoo

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You've probably all seen Duncan, the Asian elephant born at the zoo February 7.

You've probably all seen Duncan, the Asian elephant born at the zoo February 7.

Photo: Houston Zoo

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Baby bears Belle and Willow took just 30 minutes to find a way out of their enclosure last month, scaling the wall to roam free in a planter area above as visitors watched on.

Baby bears Belle and Willow took just 30 minutes to find a way out of their enclosure last month, scaling the wall to roam free in a planter area above as visitors watched on.

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A 17-week-old bobcat named Sierra looks around at the Houston Zoo on Friday, Jan. 3.

A 17-week-old bobcat named Sierra looks around at the Houston Zoo on Friday, Jan. 3.

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Staff

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A 17-week-old bobcat named Sierra looks around at the Houston Zoo on Friday, Jan. 3.

A 17-week-old bobcat named Sierra looks around at the Houston Zoo on Friday, Jan. 3.

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Staff

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A 17-week-old bobcat named Sierra looks around at the Houston Zoo on Friday, Jan. 3.

A 17-week-old bobcat named Sierra looks around at the Houston Zoo on Friday, Jan. 3.

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Staff

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A bamboo shark, 115 days old, swims in its egg case at the aquarium at the Houston Zoo. The shark will be about 5 inches long when it hatches.

A bamboo shark, 115 days old, swims in its egg case at the aquarium at the Houston Zoo. The shark will be about 5 inches long when it hatches.

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Staff

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A bamboo shark, 115 days old, swims in its egg case at the aquarium at
the Houston Zoo. The shark will be about 5 inches long when it hatches.

A bamboo shark, 115 days old, swims in its egg case at the aquarium at
the Houston Zoo. The shark will be about 5 inches long when it hatches.

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Staff

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Toby the baby giraffe, born the night before Thanksgiving at Bayou Wildlife Zoo, relaxes near his mother, Bella.

Toby the baby giraffe, born the night before Thanksgiving at Bayou Wildlife Zoo, relaxes near his mother, Bella.

Photo: Pin Lim, For The Chronicle

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Toby the baby giraffe, born the night before Thanksgiving at Bayou Wildlife Zoo, relaxes near his mother, Bella.

Toby the baby giraffe, born the night before Thanksgiving at Bayou Wildlife Zoo, relaxes near his mother, Bella.

Photo: Pin Lim, For The Chronicle

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Toby the baby giraffe, born the night before Thanksgiving at Bayou Wildlife Zoo, relaxes near his mother, Bella. Photo by Pin Lim.

Toby the baby giraffe, born the night before Thanksgiving at Bayou Wildlife Zoo, relaxes near his mother, Bella. Photo by Pin Lim.

Photo: Pin Lim, For The Chronicle

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Gulliver peers out from his mother's fur. The newborn, a Coquerel's sifaka, weighed about 92 grams at birth.

Gulliver peers out from his mother's fur. The newborn, a Coquerel's sifaka, weighed about 92 grams at birth.

Photo: Stephanie Adams

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Zenobia, an endangered lemur from the island of Madagascar, walks the fence at the Houston Zoo on Saturday, Jan. 4. Zenobia gave birth to her fourth child Gulliver on December 13.

Zenobia, an endangered lemur from the island of Madagascar, walks the fence at the Houston Zoo on Saturday, Jan. 4. Zenobia gave birth to her fourth child Gulliver on December 13.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider, Freelance

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Zenobia, an endangered lemur from the island of Madagascar, walks the fence at the Houston Zoo on Saturday, Jan. 4. Zenobia gave birth to her fourth child Gulliver on December 13.

Zenobia, an endangered lemur from the island of Madagascar, walks the fence at the Houston Zoo on Saturday, Jan. 4. Zenobia gave birth to her fourth child Gulliver on December 13.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider, Freelance

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Gulliver, an endangered lemur from the island of Madagascar, stays warm by snuggling with his mother Zenobia at the Houston Zoo on Saturday, Jan. 4.

Gulliver, an endangered lemur from the island of Madagascar, stays warm by snuggling with his mother Zenobia at the Houston Zoo on Saturday, Jan. 4.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider, Freelance

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The first two Gentoo penguin chicks of the season on Dec. 12 at Moody Gardens in Galveston.

The first two Gentoo penguin chicks of the season on Dec. 12 at Moody Gardens in Galveston.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Staff

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The first two Gentoo penguin chicks of the season on Dec. 12 at Moody Gardens in Galveston.

The first two Gentoo penguin chicks of the season on Dec. 12 at Moody Gardens in Galveston.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Staff

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The first two Gentoo penguin chicks of the season on Dec. 12 at Moody Gardens in Galveston.

The first two Gentoo penguin chicks of the season on Dec. 12 at Moody Gardens in Galveston.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Staff

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A baby pygmy marmoset born July 27 at the Houston Zoo.

A baby pygmy marmoset born July 27 at the Houston Zoo.

Photo: Houston Zoo

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A, yet to be named, baby pygmy marmoset clings to the back of a sibling Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the Houston Zoo.

A, yet to be named, baby pygmy marmoset clings to the back of a sibling Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the Houston Zoo.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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A baby pygmy marmoset born July 27 at the Houston Zoo.

A baby pygmy marmoset born July 27 at the Houston Zoo.

Photo: Houston Zoo

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Squirt (female) and Surge (male) were born on Sept. 23, 2015 at the zoo to my mother Sunkist and father Pop. Of course their brother’s name is (wait for it) Mr. Pibb.

Squirt (female) and Surge (male) were born on Sept. 23, 2015 at the zoo to my mother Sunkist and father Pop. Of course their brother’s name is (wait for it) Mr. Pibb.

Photo: Houston Zoo / Ryan Draper

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Capybaras are large, semi-aquatic rodents that are typically found in South America. They look a bit like snub-nosed squirrels. Litters range from one to eight babies in size.

Capybaras are large, semi-aquatic rodents that are typically found in South America. They look a bit like snub-nosed squirrels. Litters range from one to eight babies in size.

Photo: Houston Zoo / Ryan Draper

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The twins, like all capybaras, eat mainly produce and hay.

The twins, like all capybaras, eat mainly produce and hay.

Photo: Houston Zoo / Ryan Draper

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This new addition to the giraffe herd was born on August 3. The female calf, who was born 6 feet tall and 132 pounds, has not yet been named.

This new addition to the giraffe herd was born on August 3. The female calf, who was born 6 feet tall and 132 pounds, has not yet been named.

Photo: Houston Zoo

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Houston Zoo's tiny new baby barely bigger than a pencil eraser

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A tiny, rare gecko born at the Houston Zoo last month is "barely bigger than a pencil eraser," as you can see by a handful of pictures released today by zoo staff.

The baby fantastic leaf tailed gecko was born on Feb. 17. They are also known as Satanic leaf tailed geckos, because of their brow ridges, if you need to find a way to jazz up the gecko for the kids.

The geckos are found only in Madagascar, and are mostly active at night, and exist on a steady diet of insects, according to zoo staff. Logging, agriculture, and cattle grazing are contributing to their lessening numbers in their native habitat. Also, these geckos were not blessed with eyelids, so they clean their eyeballs with their tongue.

Hill said that this gecko may only grow to be 4 to 6 inches in length. These geckos are known to blend in with their surroundings, so you might be hard-pressed to even see them in their enclosures once they go on display.

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